Personal caffeine delivery pouch

ABSTRACT

Caffeine-bearing substances include coffee, tea, kola nut, cacao beans, guarana and yerbamate. The saliva permeable pouch encloses any caffeine-bearing substance as its charge. The filled pouch is sized so that the pouch can be placed in a person&#39;s mouth in an area adjacent an outer gum. Saliva from the mouth permeates through the pouch and selectively dissolves the charge releasing the active ingredients like caffeine and attendant sweetener, flavoring and other constituents. A method for placement of the pouch in the mouth and the process of chewing is provided that helps release of active ingredients from the pouch. These ingredients satisfy the test buds. At other times, it acts as a stimulant, anti-depressant, and diuretic and helps reduce fatigue, jitters and other symptoms associated with caffeine deprivation. An apparatus for the mass production of the pouches and its packaging for the marketplace is also claimed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a personal caffeine deliverypouch, and more particularly but not by way of limitation, to salivapermeable pouch that releases caffeine products by means of the salivadissolving the active ingredients. The invention, by way of examples,and not as any further limitation relates to coffee delivery pouch,method of coffee pouch use and the apparatus to manufacture the pouch.

2. Description of the Related Art

Consumption of caffeine-bearing beverages is very popular at home and inthe offices. However, the dispensing of these products on a personalportable level has been scarce. Coffee a popular beverage is largelylimited to a brewed beverage, with occasional variation in a tablet formto be dissolved in hot water. The closest personal dispensing prior artis a one-cup brewing system. A brief discussion of related art follows.

Bunke, U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,791 discloses processes for making coffeeconcentrate, and soluble coffee. However, this patent does not discloseparticular packaging of the coffee or using the coffee without moretraditional brewing practices.

Fortune Jr, U.S. Pat No. 6,749,882 discloses combining a nicotinecomposition in brewed coffee. However, this patent again disclosescoffee that is presented in a more traditional brewed format.

Derr, U.S. Pat. No. 6,162,516 discloses a system and method forprotecting oral tissues from smokeless tobacco by enclosing the tobaccoin a protective layering shield and inserting the shielded pouch in themouth, generally between the cheek and gum surfaces, thereby reducingthe direct contact of tobacco to the inner membranes or linings of themouth, in particular the cheek linings and gum tissues. The typical useof smokeless tobacco results in a concentrated area of direct contact ofthe tobacco fibers to a level that is above some tolerance threshold forthe inner linings of the mouth. The result is leukoplakia reported to beassociated with a 3%-6% probability of mouth cancer. The protectiveshield assists in reducing leukoplakia and other oral diseases relatedto the use of smokeless tobacco.

Lesser, U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,853 discloses a single portion or single cupcoffee making system. This invention provides a filter unit that can beeasily handled and produces a single serving of coffee. However, thispatent also relies on more traditional brewing systems such as steepingof coffee.

Blane, U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,527 discloses a tablet in a filled bag formedof filter paper containing ground coffee. However, this patent disclosesthat the coffee package should be used in an espresso coffee maker orthe like, thus relying on the more traditional brewing process.

Sanders, U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,545 discloses a coffee pack or method ofpackaging a coffee product, that includes an aroma area and a coffeeproduct area, However, this patent is primarily concerned with enhancingthe aroma impact of coffee and does not disclose specific packaging,

Liu, U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,593 discloses packaging coffee and aroma agentsto provide a noticeable coffee aroma. However, this patent does notdisclose packaging such as can be used in single servings in the mouth,a feature in the present invention.

Sierra, U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,295 discloses a water-soluble coffee tablet.This patent discloses the method of manufacturing the coffee tablet butdoes not disclose any particular packaging for using in the mouth oreven the ability of using the tablet in the mouth. The patent furtherdiscloses that the tablet should be dissolved in water along moretraditional lines of brewing.

Paules, U.S. Pat. No. 4,703,765 discloses an apparatus for formingdistinct portions of smokeless tobacco in a pouch or packet form, andcontinuously forming a chain of individual pouches containing distinctportions of smokeless tobacco.

A brief review of the literature and commercial uses is as follows.

A pouch of tobacco product is distributed in the form of tobacco bandit,also marketed under the brand name SKOAL bandit. Folgers and othercoffee companies are marketing coffee singles, a one-cup brewingproduct. Chewing gums containing caffeine have entered the market usinga brand name Joltgum. Snuff pouches have been in use for a long time andnon-snuff pouches in wintergreen and other flavors have been produced.However, these products are limited to tobacco, snuff or substituteareas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a saliva permeable pouch toprovide a measured amount of caffeine or coffee beverage charge to aperson when such a pouch is inserted in the mouth between the gums andthe cheek, preferably in the sublingual area.

Traditionally, there are no caffeine-bearing or coffee-based chargepouches available. Therefore the individual in the field environment isaway from an office or home without access to coffee or caffeine-bearingsubstance. Prior art pouches available for individual use were limitedto tobacco or snuff products or their substitute products encased in thepouch, nothing to compare with caffeine or coffee enclosed in a pouch.

The present saliva permeable pouch caffeine charge avoids this problemby providing a shot from the charge even when one is driving or workingaway from a traditional home or office setting.

A further object of the invention is to offer coffee singles that areinserted in the mouth, in distinct pre-measured packaged amounts. Thecharge is in the form of a long and slender pouch with papered or sealedends that can easily fit in the mouth. The saliva dissolves and releasesthe caffeine or coffee flavor back into the mouth Another object of theinvention is to provide a range of caffeine or coffee products includingfinely ground coffee or other caffeine filler.

A further object of the invention is to provide a coffee or caffeineexperience. The product is consumable and digestible by human and isdesigned to mix with saliva to produce the coffee in the person's mouth.

Another object of the invention is to have a safe edible product that isnon-toxic and can be used anonymously and without the harmful sideeffects of tobacco or nicotine.

Another object of the invention is to allow a single shot use forbetween 15 and 30 minutes, wherein afterwards the pouch is removed fromthe mouth and then disposed of.

Another object of the invention is to market the pouch for itspsychological and pharmacological benefits to mitigate the effects andsymptoms of caffeine withdrawal.

Briefly, these and other objects of the invention are accomplished by asaliva permeable pouch. The pouch surface has suitable perforations thatretain the charge and allow saliva to permeate inwards. The chargeinside the pouch is soluble in saliva and the caffeine-bearing solutionthen flows outwardly from the pouch. This process can be furtherfacilitated by the person chewing on the pouch to produce beverage ofrequired caffeine consistency and strength.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top view and an end view for the saliva permeable pouch.

FIG. 2 shows an end view showing salivary glands and a frontal viewshowing the sublingual pouch placement.

FIG. 3 shows the operational sequence diagram for a machine for the massmanufacture and packaging of the saliva permeable pouches.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION [PREFERRED EMBODIMENT]

I. Calculation of Measure of Charge

Using the state of the art in caffeine and coffee technology, a measuredamount of charge can easily be calculated for each application specificcase. The preferred embodiment shown here is showing the computation ofmeasured charge for coffee as a preferred embodiment and not as anylimitation since the art is well developed to the caffeine charge aswell. One cup of coffee is normally a dosage of 150 ml, approximately5.3 oz. One oz. of ground coffee prepares 21 oz. of coffee, about 4 cupsof coffee. Therefore, 1 cup of coffee equivalent will require 0.25 oz.or 7 gm of ground coffee equivalent Depending on the constitution ofpouch charge one can calculate the measure of charge to be encased ineach pouch.

The caffeine-bearing charge can similarly be calculated for any of thecaffeine-bearing drinks. Following is a list of caffeine-bearing drinks,shown only for an illustrative purpose and not as any limitation of thisinvention. Caffeine Equivalents in Beverage Containers Constituent-dosage 150 mg Container/Size Caffeine, mg Coffee Instant 150 ml cup60-100 Coffee Percolated/Drip 150 ml cup 100-150 mg Coffee Espresso 150ml cup 190 mg Coffee Decaffeinated 150 ml cup 2-4 mg Tea 150 ml cup30-100 mg Cocoa 150 ml cup 30-60 mg Cola Soft Drink 250 ml 35 mg EnergyDrink 250 ml 80 mgII. Saliva Permeable Pouch

Turning now to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the present inventionis presented. The primary function of the preferred embodiment is toinclude proper amount of charge to compensate for the desired amount ofcaffeine to emulate the beverage desired by the individual.

The technology for making saliva permeable pouches is well known in theart and a further description of the fabrication of the pouch (10) isnot necessary to enable those skilled in the art to appreciate thispresent invention. For example, similar pouches, in a tobaccoapplication are employed in the manufacture of smokeless tobaccomarketed under the trademark BANDIT by U.S. Tobacco Company ofFranklandpark, Ill.

The following description is by way of examples only and not as anylimitation of the invention. The saliva permeable pouch of the presentinvention can be one of two designs: flat design or tubular design. Theflat design can be constructed from a pouch stock in a continuous rollform, further processed to cuts of individual pieces. Similarly, thetubular design pouch stock can be in form of a continuous tube, furtherprocessed to cuts of individual pieces. Each cut of individual pieces issuitably sized to form individual pouches.

The individual pouch cuttings can be formed in several ways, thefollowing is by way of examples only and not as any limitation. The flatdesign pouch stock rolls are in styles such that the continuity retainsthe longitudinal dimension of the pouch. As cuts are made, theindividual piece has two open lateral edges and an open longitudinaledge. The second longitudinal edge is seamlessly rolled up on itself.Similarly, the tubular design is in the form of a continuous tube ofpouch stock. As cuts are made, an individual piece, tubular inconstruction with two open-end edges, is formed.

In the process of making these pouches, a lip is formed at each openedge. The lips are sealed by suitable means such as heat-sealing, toform a pouch casing, leaving one last seal as open for the fillingoperation. During filling, a predetermined amount of charge, forexample, 0.25 ounce of ground coffee of desired particle size is filledinto the pouch casing through the open end. The open end of the pouch isfinally sealed so that the pouch envelops and sealingly retains thecharge therein.

A charge capable of placement in a person's mouth adjacent the outer gumwas produced as follows. The saliva permeable pouches were fabricated ofan infusible filter paper packaging material and each pouch was filledwith the charge. The charge had a particle size, which contained aminority of fines that could pass through the pouch when wetted. Themajority of the charge was retained in the pouch once it was sealed. Thesize of the pouch was approximately one and one-half inches in lengthand one-half inch in height so that when filled with the charge thepouch could be readily placed adjacent a person's outer gum withoutdistorting the person's mouth or making the person uncomfortable.

The charge when placed in one's mouth in area adjacent an outer gumassists in reducing one's dependency on brewed coffee in favor of apersonal delivery of caffeine charge. Further, because of the porousnature of the saliva permeable pouch, saliva induced juices containedwithin the pouch can readily be dispersed into the user's mouth anddigestive system without the need for spittle of such juices.

It is clear that the present invention is well adapted to carry out theobjects and to obtain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as thoseinherent therein. While a presently preferred embodiment has beendescribed for the purpose of this disclosure, numerous changes may bemade which will readily suggest them to those skilled in the art andwhich are encompassed within the spirit of the invention disclosed andas defined in the appended claims.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a method of delivering individual portion ofcaffeine-bearing charge in a saliva permeable pouch is shown. The figureshows the method to insert the pouch in the mouth and lodge it betweenthe outer gum and the lips.

The figure shows how the person chewing on the pouch can benefit fromthe charge converting to caffeine-bearing material. The top view showsthe glands whose secretive action provides the saliva, later used toreact with the charge and result in the desired beverage of requiredcaffeine consistency and strength.

As explained in the following claims, a preferred embodiment is to havea charge of desired strength. Separate pouches can be manufactured usinga product specific measured charge.

FIG. 3 shows the sequence of operation of the machine used for producingcaffeine-bearing beverage including coffee. The machine is used tomass-produce the pouches and then package them for commercialdistribution. Sequence of Machine Operation for manufacturing SalivaPermeable Pouch Station Number Station Identifier 31A Operator PowerUnit Switch 31C Machine Ready - Light Indicator 31E Filling Station-Receiving Position 31G Filling Station - Filling Position 31I FillingStation - Delivery Position 33A Pouch Supplier 33C Pouch Transfer &Pre-seal 33E Pouch Receiving 35A Charge Dispensing 35C Chargemeasurement sensing 35E Charge Receiving 37A Pouch Post-Seal 37C QualityCheck Station- Proper Measure 37E Rejects Unit 37G Packaging Unit 37IWarehousing/Shipping

The following description is showing a sequence of operations to beaccomplished by the machine apparatus to form the saliva permeablepouches. The sequence of operation and explanation of functionsperformed at each station is by way of examples only and in no way alimitation of the invention.

An operator unit power switch (station 31A) allows an operator toinitiate the operation of the machine apparatus. All stations of themachine apparatus are properly coordinated and sequenced and a machineready light indicator turns on (station 31C).

A pouch supplier unit (station 33A) provides individual pouch cutsprepared from a roll of pouch stock or furnished in pre-cut lengths. Apouch transfer/pre-seal unit (station 33C) forms the lips on allpouch-casing edges and later seals the pouch casings leaving one openend. A pouch-receiving unit (station 33E) receives these pre-sealedpouches for onward delivery to the filling unit (station 31).

A charge-dispensing unit (station 35A) receives caffeine-bearing chargefor onward delivery to a charge measuring & sensing unit (station 35C).The charge is measured in reference to a operator set charge amount andproper amount of charge is delivered to the charge-receiving unit(station 35E) that, in turn passes it over to the filling unit (station31).

The Filling unit comprises of three stations: Filling station receivingposition (31E), filling station filling position (station 31G) andfilling station delivery position (station 31I). The unit operates toproperly sequence the filling of pouches with the caffeine charge.

The last open edge of each pouch is sealingly closed in the Pouchpost-seal unit (station 37A). The pouch then moves on to quality checkunit (station 37C) where the weight measure is validated and a qualitycompliance or non-compliance decision is rendered. In case ofnon-compliance, the pouch is discarded into the rejects unit (station37E).

Quality compliant pouch moves on to the packaging unit (station 37E)where the pouches are assembled to a sufficient quantity to fillindividual boxes. The packages move on to the warehousing/shipping unit(station 37G).

Changes may be made in the structure and embodiments shown hereinwithout departing from the concept of the invention. Therefore, thescope of the invention is to be determined by the terminology of thefollowing claims and the legal equivalents thereof.

1. A saliva permeable pouch containing a measured charge of caffeine further comprising: said pouch having a surface constructed of a porous material; said porous material having pores in sizes suitable to retain said charge, allow inward saliva permeation and allow outward flow of charge dissolved in saliva; said pouch having a plurality of open ends; said plurality of open ends pressed to lip construction forming a plurality of lips; and said lips sealed closed providing a sealed enclosure for the retained charge within.
 2. A saliva permeable pouch as in claim 1, where in said pouch is a slim design having size measurements which comprise: from about 1 inch to 1.5 inch in length; and from about inch to ½ inch in width.
 3. A saliva permeable pouch as in claim 1, further comprising: said caffeine-bearing charge as coffee-based.
 4. A saliva permeable pouch as in claim 2, further comprising: said caffeine-bearing charge as coffee-based.
 5. A method of delivering individual portion of caffeine-bearing charge in a saliva permeable pouch comprising: proportioning a measure of said caffeine-bearing charge in a saliva permeable pouch to meet individual potion strength, flavoring, and coloring requirements; sealing said pouch; and positioning said pouch in a person's mouth.
 6. The method of delivering said caffeine-bearing charge in said saliva permeable pouch as in claim 5, further comprising: releasing the active ingredients of said caffeine-bearing charge by absorption and ingestion in the mouth by voluntary action or involuntary reflex; chewing and compressing said pouch at will to effectuate slow, measured and selective release of the active ingredients; allowing said pouch to stay in the mouth till the effectiveness of the active ingredients persists; and ejecting said pouch after use at human will.
 7. The method of delivering individual portion of said caffeine-bearing charge as in claim 5, wherein, said caffeine-bearing charge is coffee-based.
 8. The method of delivering said coffee-based charge in said saliva permeable pouch as in claim 7, further comprising: releasing the active ingredients of the contents to the body by absorption and ingestion in the mouth by voluntary action or involuntary reflex; chewing and compressing said pouch at will to effectuate slow, measured and selective release of the active ingredients; allowing said pouch to stay in the mouth till the effectiveness of the active ingredients persists; and ejecting said pouch after use at human will.
 9. A machine apparatus for filling measured quantities of said caffeine-bearing charge into saliva permeable pouches to make discrete, self-contained, end sealed packets, comprising: an operator power unit switch to initiate the production sequence; a light indicator to confirm ready status of said machine; a pouch supply unit to introduce said pouch stock from to a pouch transfer unit; said pouch transfer unit delivering said pouch stock to a pre-seal unit; said pre-seal unit programmed to select all except one extreme open end for forming lip construction; said pre-seal unit further securing all except one open end; said pre-seal unit cooperatively configured to hand over said pre-sealed pouch to a pouch-receiving unit; a charge-dispensing unit capable to receive caffeine-bearing charge and selectively pass it on to a measuring unit; said measuring unit capable of manipulation to receive a reference setting, sensing the measure of said charge, comparing said measure to said reference setting, validating when said measure equals said reference setting, and pass said charge forward to a charge receiving unit; said charge receiving unit cooperating with said pouch receiving unit delivering said measured charge to a filling station contemporaneously with said pouch receiving unit delivering said pre-sealed pouch stocks; said filling station comprising of a receiving position to receive said measured charge and said pre-sealed pouch, a filling position to sequence the receipt, fill, and delivery phases; and a delivery position receiving pre-sealed pouches containing said measured charge; a pouch post-seal unit forming a lip construction at the last open end of said pre-sealed pouch transferring from said delivery position of said filling station; a quality check unit comparing said product with programmed product specifications and capable of modulation from pass to fail; said quality check unit exhibiting a fail mode to discard said failed pouch to a reject bin; alternatively said quality check unit exhibiting a pass mode to steer said pouch as a finished product to a packaging unit; said packaging unit packing, containerizing and bar coding said product for transfer to warehousing and shipping.
 10. A machine apparatus for filling measured quantities of said charge as in claim 9, wherein said caffeine-bearing charge is coffee-based. 